The Gunner proved to be a versatile leather motorcycle jacket that?s suitable for most weather conditions. Also seen here are Highway 21 Blockhouse jeans and Journeyman boots. (Photo by James Martinec)

Engineering a motorcycle jacket seems easy, but it gets complicated to strike the optimal balance of protection, versatility, and style. It?s almost impossible to beat the abrasion resistance and visual appeal of a leather motorcycle jacket, although it?s often compromised by unsuitability for hot or wet weather.

The Gunner is Highway 21?s top-line jacket and is designed to eliminate the compromises inherent in leather apparel. It?s built from sturdy leather but is endowed with a 12-point ventilation system to keep you cool and a removable Hydraguard liner to keep you warm and dry. 
Naturally, the Gunner is available in black (seen above), but I opted for the Vintage Gunmetal version that isn?t so typical. It?s constructed of 1.0-1.1mm cowhide and features removable CE Level 1 armor for shoulders and elbows, with the latter reinforced by leather patches. A foam back pad is included and can be upgraded to CE levels of protection by swapping in optional Fly Racing Barricade armor.

The Gunner?s styling is a cross between cafe-racer panache and a biker aesthetic. It has a low-cut band collar topping a two-way YKK main zipper with a handy leather zip pull. Four snaps on each side help adjust for a non-baggy fit, augmented by a pair of accordion stret...